According to a federal lawsuit, Mr Shoupe gave the shoot-to-kill order "solely to prevent damage to patrol cars".

When the car was driven off the highway into a ditch, deputy Adam West followed the order and fired nine shots at Mr Dial. Sparta police officer Charlie Sims also fired about five shots at the driver. At least one of the shots hit Mr Dial in the head. The father-of-one's lifeless body was removed from the car wreck and he was later pronounced dead in hospital. He was not armed.

Deputy Adam West breaks down after shooting Michael Dial.

Body-cam footage of the incident confirms that Mr Shoupe gave the order to use deadly force.